Reply #34: I wonder if some of the requirements [View All]

[jbnow]

were determined by the state.

I was working in human services when Clinton's work requirements started. Not with that agency or program, but another program in my agency helped people on ADC find work. Those not ready could get training, schooling or other support. And those not able to realistically raise kids and do work or training, for instance due to disability, after assessment were released from that obligation. No elderly people were required to work at all.

I consulted with that program at times and the part that really bothered me was they were required to start when the baby was 3 months old. I thought it should be at least 2 years old. Daycare and medical assistance went on for quite some time.

Overall it didn't seem like a bad deal...it was only 20 hours per week of work/training and I really saw some people blossom. It can be scary to go out into the world when you never have before.
But at that time employment was booming, jobs were easy to find, advancement came quickly as people learned their jobs and jobs had benefits.

Soon after Bush came he raised it to 40 hours per week and there was high unemployment and fewer benefits. Ongoing medicaid and daycare ended sooner. I wasn't at that job anymore but I really worried. 40 hours means many more when you include transportation and kids need more time then that. I worried about them going between two part time jobs.

Anyway, I wonder if WHO had to work and the lifetime limits depended on the state.